Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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UNIVERSAL MOUNT SYSTEM FOR PICKUP TRUCK BED
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to storage system and, more
particularly, relates to a universal mount system for a storage system for use
in a
pickup truck bed.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0003] As is commonly known, pickup trucks can be used for a wide
variety of applications, such as off-road applications, construction, hauling,
towing, and the like. Similarly, pickup trucks tend to be used with a similar
wide
variety of accessories that are particularly suited for one or more of these
unique
applications. These accessories often include tool boxes, cargo boxes,
coolers,
or other storage items.
[0004] In some cases, such as mounted tool or cargo boxes, these
items are nearly permanently affixed in the bed of the pickup truck, most
often
near the passenger cabin. These mounted tool or cargo boxes consume a
substantial volume of the pickup bed and are generally difficult to install
and
remove. Therefore, typically, once a tool or cargo box is installed in the
pickup
bed, they are rarely removed.
[0005] In other cases, such accessories are loosely mounted in the
pickup bed and, thus, have the potential to slide or otherwise move within the
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pickup bed during travel. Of course these accessories can be tethered to a
mounting cleat or tiedown in the pickup bed, but unfortunately such tethering
is
cumbersome and often results in the accessory being mounted in a less than
ideal position within the pickup bed.
[0006] Finally, in light of the current leasing programs and short term
ownership of many pickup trucks, owners desire methods of accessorizing their
pickup trucks without causing permanent damage to the vehicle. By maintaining
in the pickup truck in a condition as close to as-new, the owner is less
likely of
being assessed damage fees or reduced valuation.
[0007] Accordingly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide
a
universal mounting system for mounting accessories within a pickup bed to
permits use in a wide variety of applications. Moreover, there exists a need
in
the relevant art to provide a universal mounting system that can be used in
connection with a wide variety of accessories. Still further, there exists a
need in
the relevant art to provide a universal mounting system that is capable of
mounting the accessories in a conducive and accessible position in the pickup
bed. Moreover, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a universal
mounting system that is capable of being used to reliably retaining
accessories in
the pickup bed without cause permanent damage or requiring permanent
modification of the pickup bed. Finally, there exists a need in the relevant
art to
overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
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SUMMARY
[0008] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and
is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
[0009] According to the principles of the present teachings, a
universal
mounting system for mounting an accessory in a pickup truck bed is provided
having advantageous construction. The system includes a main support member
having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is engageable with
the upper horizontal portion of the sidewall of the pickup truck bed and the
lower
end is engageable with the floor of the pickup truck bed. The main support
member includes a transverse channel. The universal mounting system further
includes a cantilever member extending through at least a portion of the
transverse channel of the main support member. The cantilever member has a
mounting system defining a pivot axis. A swivel plate is connectable to the
accessory and includes a mounting system pivotally engaging the mounting
system of the cantilever member to define a pivotal connection along the pivot
axis therebetween to permit the accessory to pivot about the pivot axis.
[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this
summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present disclosure.
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DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only
of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a universal mounting
system for mounting an accessary in a pickup truck bed according to the
principles of the present teachings;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the universal
mounting system for mounting an accessary in a pickup truck bed according to
the principles of the present teachings;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a first side view of the universal mounting
system for mounting an accessary in a pickup truck bed according to the
principles of the present teachings;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a second side view of the universal mounting
system for mounting an accessary in a pickup truck bed according to the
principles of the present teachings;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the main
support member and the cantilever member according to the principles of the
present teachings;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the main support
member according to the principles of the present teachings;
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[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the lower end
of the main support member according to the principles of the present
teachings;
and
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the swivel
plate and accessory according to the principles of the present teachings.
[0020] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts
throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the
art.
Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific
components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in
the
art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may
be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to
limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known
processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not
described in detail.
[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used
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herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the
plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The
terms
"comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,
elements,
and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more
other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups
thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not
to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular
order
discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of
performance.
It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be
employed.
[0024] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged
to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be
directly
on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or
intervening
elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to
as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly
coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or
layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements
should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly
between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term
"and/or"
includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed
items.
[0025] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein
to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,
these
elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by
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, .
these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element,
component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section.
Terms
such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not
imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a
first
element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a
second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the example embodiments.
[0026] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"
"beneath,"
"below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease
of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another
element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative
terms may
be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation
in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the
device in
the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other
elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of
above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or
at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein
interpreted
accordingly.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1-8, a universal mounting
system 100
for pickup truck beds is illustrated according to some embodiments of the
present
teachings. In these embodiments, universal mounting system 100 can comprise
a main support member 102, a cantilever support member 104, and pivot/tilt
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. .
accessory support bracket assembly 106. Universal mounting system 100 is
configured for particular use with an accessory 200. In some embodiments,
accessory 200 can comprise a tool box, cargo box, cooler, platform, or other
member that is desired to be mounted in a pickup bed and pivoted between a
stored position and a deployed position. Although the present invention will
be
discussed in connection with a storage container 200, it should be understood
that the scope of the present invention should not be limited thereto unless
specifically recited as such.
[0028] With particular reference to FIGS. 1-4, in some
embodiments,
main support member 102 can comprise a generally upstanding member 110
having an elongated shape defining a lower end 112 and an upper end 114. In
some embodiments, upstanding member 110 can define an arcuate or curved
profile (see FIGS. 1-6) such that lower end 112 and upper end 114 are offset
relative to each other when mounted in a pickup truck bed. That is, as
illustrated
in FIGS. 3-4, generally upstanding member 110 can be configured such that
upper end 114 can be positioned further outboard (relative to the vehicle)
than
lower end 112. As will be discussed, these configuration permits proper
positioning and mounting to a sidewall of the pickup truck bed.
[0029] In some embodiments, generally upstanding member 110
can
comprises a base support member 116 being connectable with lower end 112 of
generally upstanding member 110. In some embodiments, base support
member 116 can be releasably mounted to lower end 112 of upstanding member
110. To this end, base support member 116 can comprise an upstanding slot
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member 118 being integrally formed with a generally planar flange portion 120.
Upstanding slot member 118 can comprise a slot 122 (FIG. 7) formed therein
that is sized to closely conform to and receive lower end 112 of upstanding
member 110 therein. Flange portion 120 defines a generally planar section
having a mounting pad 124 (e.g. rubber mounting pad) affixed thereto. Mounting
pad 124 is configured to engage the floor of the pickup truck bed without
cause
damage or requiring permanent modification.
[0030] It should be understood that, in some embodiments,
upstanding member 110 can comprise an integrally formed base support
member 116. However, it should also be understood that in those embodiments
using a separate base support member 116, adjustment shims 126 (FIG. 7) can
be used to provide increased vertical adjustment of main support member 102
and, thus, universal mounting system 100. That is, in some embodiments,
adjustment shims 126 having a predetermined height can be inserted into slot
122 of base support member 116 to provide an internal physical stop and thus
shim base support member 116 into a higher position. Adjustment shims 126
can be provided in a plurality of sizes to permit a single universal mounting
system 100 to be used in a wide variety of pickup truck beds having varying
dimensions¨by the manufacturer and/or user. By way of example, adjustment
ships 126 having increment sizes ranging up to 1.5 inches have been used.
However, additional size variations are envisioned and within the scope of the
present teachings.
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[0031] With
continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, in some embodiments,
In some embodiments, generally upstanding member 110 can comprises a top
support member 128 being connectable with upper end 114 of generally
upstanding member 110. In some embodiments, top support member 128 can
be releasably mounted to upper end 114 of upstanding member 110 to provide
an adjustable length mechanism. To this end, top support member 128 can
comprise a fastener receiving section 130 being integrally formed with a
generally planar flange portion 136. Fastener
receiving section 130 can
comprise a generally cylindrical section having a fastener 132 threadedly
engaged therein. Fastener 132 can extend from fastener receiving section 130
and be received within a fastener mounting member 134 coupled to upper end
114 of upstanding member 110. Fastener mounting member 134 can be
integrally formed with upper end 114 or coupled thereto to provide a reliable,
threaded coupling of fastener 132, and thus top support member 128, to
upstanding member 110. Fastener 132 can comprise a pair of locking nuts 138
to permit locking installation and adjustment of an overall length of fastener
132,
thereby permitting the adjustment and locking of the overall length between
top
support member 128 and base support member 116. Flange portion 136 defines
a generally planar section having a mounting pad 140 (e.g. rubber mounting
pad)
affixed thereto. Mounting pad 140 is configured to engage the underside of the
upper horizontal sidewall flange or portion of the pickup truck bed without
cause
damage or requiring permanent modification. This upper horizontal sidewall
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flange or portion can include the underside horizontal surface of the
sidewall,
namely the underside surface of the sidewall caps of the pickup truck bed.
[0032] With
particular reference to FIGS. 1-6, in some embodiments,
main support member 102 can comprise a transverse channel 142 being
integrally formed along upstanding member 110 at a position between upper end
114 and lower end 112. In some embodiments, transverse channel 142 can be
positioned at about a midpoint location along said upstanding member 110. This
position can represent a generally vertical section of upstanding member 110.
Transverse channel 142, in some embodiments, comprises an enclosed channel
member having at least one channel opening 144 (FIGS. 5-6). Transverse
channel 142 is sized and shaped to closely conform to and permit cantilever
member 104 to be slidingly received within transverse channel 142 through the
at
least one channel opening 144. In some embodiments, transverse channel 142
comprises opposing channel openings 144 to permit cantilever member 104 to
be received in transverse opening from either direction. As should
be
understood, this configuration, in part, permits universal mounting system 100
to
be mounted on either side of a pickup truck bed without major modification. As
can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, cantilever member 104 is particularly suited
to
be received within transverse channel 142 such that a longitudinal axis of
cantilever member 104 is generally horizontal and orthogonal to a longitudinal
axis of main support member 102. Cantilever member 104 can define a
generally constant size and shape along an adjustment arm section 146 (FIG. 5)
to permit sliding movement and adjustment of cantilever member 104 relative to
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main support member 102. A distal end 148 of cantilever member 104 can be
inserted into transverse channel 142 and slid to a desired position to permit
proper positioning of accessory 200 within the pickup truck bed. Once a
desired
position of cantilever member 104 is achieved, a locking member 150, such as a
fastener having a distal end projecting into transverse channel 142, can be
tightened to engage, capture, and retain cantilever member 104 in transverse
channel 142 in the desired position.
[0033] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, in some embodiments, cantilever
member 104 can comprise a pivot support portion 152. Pivot support portion 152
can be formed orthogonal relative to adjustment arm section 146 in an inboard
direction. Pivot support portion 152 can comprise a main central section 154
being integrally formed with adjustment arm section 146. The main central
section 154 can be integrally formed with a generally U-shaped section 156.
Generally U-shaped section 156 can comprise a pair of inboardly directed ends
158 each having a vertically oriented pair of pivot rods 160. Pivot rods 160
are
commonly aligned along a pivot axis A-A (FIG. 3). Each pivot rod 160 is
generally cylindrically shaped to provide for pivoting movement of accessory
200
about pivot axis A-A. To this end, pivot axis A-A is generally vertically
oriented.
In some embodiments, four pivot rods 160 are provided. However, in many
applications, only two pivot rods 160 are used for pivoting movement of
accessory 200. The remaining two pivot rods 160 are provided so that universal
mounting system 100 can be used on an opposing side of the pickup truck bed,
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thereby flipping cantilever member 104 and cause the remaining two pivot rods
160 to become the used pivot rods.
[0034] As seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and 8, pivot rods 160 of cantilever
member 104 are sized to engage pivot/tilt accessory support bracket assembly
106. Specifically, in some embodiments, pivot/tilt accessory support bracket
assembly 106 comprises a swivel plate 162 that can be integrally formed with
or
coupled to accessory 200. Swivel plate 162 can comprise a pair of female pivot
slots 164 being aligned along a pivot axis B-B (FIG. 8). Female pivot slots
164
are sized, shaped, and spaced apart to permit female pivot slots 164 to be
lifted
and inserted onto pivot rods 160 of cantilever member 104 (see FIGS. 1 and 3).
The weight of pivot/tilt accessory support bracket assembly 106 and accessory
200 is supported by the engagement of female pivot slots 164 and pivot rods
160. More particularly, the weight of pivot/tilt accessory support bracket
assembly 106 and accessory 200 is supported by the engagement of female
pivot slots 164 and the enlarged section 166 (FIG. 3) of pivot rods 160 along
a
bearing surface 168 (FIG. 3).
[0035] It should be understood that, in the interest of brevity,
cantilever
member 104 is described as having pivot rods 160 and similarly swivel plate
162
is described as having pivot slots 164. However, it should also be understood
that the association of the pivot rods and pivot slots can be reversed, such
that
cantilever member 104 comprises pivot slots and swivel plate 162 comprises
pivot rods. Both of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of
the
present disclosure.
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[0036] In some
embodiments, swivel plate 162 can comprise a resting
knob cradle 170 along a lower portion thereof. In some embodiments, resting
knob cradle 170 is generally V-shaped and sized to engage a corresponding
resting knob 172 extending from accessory 200. Resting knob 172 can comprise
a smooth lower surface 174 for engaging resting knob cradle 170 to provide a
smooth bearing surface therebetween. An enlarged flange 176 can extend from
resting knob 172 to project beyond an end of resting knob cradle 170 to
capture
resting knob cradle 170 to help retain accessory 200 to swivel plate 162 and
permit tilting movement of accessory 200 relative to swivel plate 162,
cantilever
member 104, and main support member 102.
[0037] In some
embodiments, to further facilitate tilting movement of
accessory 200 relative to swivel plate 162 et al., swivel plate 162 further
can
comprise an arcuate tilt slot 178. Arcuate tilt slot 178 can comprise or
define a
curve having a center aligned with a rotational point of resting knob 172 and
resting knob cradle 170. Arcuate tilt slot 178 can further be sized to receive
a tilt
rod 180 extending from accessory 200. Tilt rod 180 can pass along arcuate tilt
slot 178 to define a permitted range of tilt of accessory 200. In some
embodiments, accessory 200 can tilt about a generally horizontal axis up to
about 45 degrees inboard or outboard relative to the vehicle. In some
embodiments, tilt rod 180 is a threaded member capable of threadedly engaging
a corresponding tilt locking nut 182. To this end, tilt rod 180 can extend
through
arcuate tilt slot 178 and engage tilt locking nut 182. Tilt locking nut 182
can be
threadedly tightened toward accessary 200 to capture swivel plate 162 to
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retaining accessory 200 in the selected tilt orientation. To facilitate smooth
tilting
operation, in some embodiments, an anti-friction plate 184 can be mounted
between swivel plate 162 and accessory 200 via a plurality of fasteners to
provide reduced friction.
[0038] In some embodiments, accessory 200 can be pivoted between
a stored position and a deployed position. In the stored position, accessory
200
is pivoted and nestled generally adjacent main support member 102 and along a
sidewall of the pickup truck bed. In this stored position, accessary 200 can
be
retained to prevent movement toward the deployed position. To this end, swivel
plate 162 can comprise at least one pivot retaining post 186 extending
therefrom.
Pivot retaining post 186 is sized and positioned to be received through a
retaining slot 188 formed in pivot support portion 152 of cantilever member
104.
In this position, a clevis pin or other retaining member 190 can be extended
or
engaged with pivot retaining post 186 (e.g. via an aperture formed through
pivot
retaining post) to lock accessory 200 relative to cantilever member 104
thereby
inhibiting rotation to the deployed position. A second pivot retaining post
186
can be provide to again permit mounting of universal mounting system 100 on an
alternative side of the pickup truck bed.
[0039] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to
be
exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a
particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment,
but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected
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embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be
varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from
the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within
the
scope of the disclosure.
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